JAIME AND RAQUEL GILINSKI
HILLEL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
2024-2025 FALL/WINTER REPORT
Background
Our 2024-2025 Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors have been active schoolwide, sharpening their leadership skills and using their unique platform to teach, engage and promote awareness about issues that affect the community. Tamara Brown ‘25, Adina Heinrich ‘25, Hailey Shechter ‘25, Alexia Weininger ‘25, and Hadar Zohar ‘27 have inspired us to support Israel, aid Jewish seniors, and create moments for Tefilah reflection, and health and wellness, among many others. Hundreds of students and members of the extended community - here and in Israel - have benefited from the efforts of our Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors.
PROJECT GALLERY
Rosh Hashanah Baskets for Jewish Seniors
Hadar Z. ‘27
Adina H. ‘25
Alexia W. ‘25
Tamara B. ‘25
Hailey S. ‘25
Letters to IDF Soldiers
Israel Art Wall
Gifts for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Reading to Lower School Students
Community Cookbook
Rosh Hashanah Tefilah
Tzedakah Boxes
Custom Aprons For Food Service Staff
Chanukah Challah Bake
Lion Companion - Bowling
Middle School Advisory Leadership Training
Lion Companion - Grade 9 Orientation
Shalva Wellness Yoga Training
Reflection
Part of the application for this year’s cohort included outlining 10 project management steps. From overview to evaluation, our Ambassadors were thoughtful in designing and implementing their ideas. The reflection following the projects was key to refining future plans. Please read our Ambassadors’ reflections.
Project Management Steps
Adina:
With the support of my school and fellow Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors, I have brought meaningful initiatives to the community. Along the way, I’ve learned that trial and error is often an inevitable part of planning and hosting events. Facing these challenges with responsibility and timeliness has been essential, as my projects aim to unite and celebrate the beauty of our community.
Hadar:
Alexia:
Seeing these projects come to life after the planning stages has been nothing short of surreal. Whether it’s assembling care baskets for cancer patients, reading to kindergarteners, or creating community cookbooks, the sense of leadership this role instills is unmatched. Being a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador means embodying the qualities of a role model, a responsibility I take immense pride in.
Since becoming a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, my confidence in leading and serving the community has grown tremendously. I am deeply grateful to the school and administration for their unwavering support, which has allowed us to bring our project ideas to life. Engaging students in community service has highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for people to express their feelings and gratitude.
Hailey:
This role has allowed me to sharpen my leadership skills, learn from my peers and fellow ambassadors , and collaborate to foster a supportive and compassionate environment. Whether it’s writing letters to members of the IDF to show solidarity or attending mental health seminars, I am thrilled to see my peers actively participating in the opportunities I’ve helped organize as a proud Gilinski Hillel Ambassador.
Tamara:
The process of brainstorming, planning, and dedicating countless hours to bring my visions to life has brought me immense satisfaction Along the way, I’ve developed problem-solving skills, learned to take initiative, and stepped out of my comfort zone. This experience has shown me what it truly means to be a role model—leading by example and understanding that even small actions can make a big difference.
With thanks to the Gilinski family for your unwavering support.
